Read Online Dante's Fire by Jennifer Probst - Free Book Online Page A

dream, or that I need more. But I don't." His gaze burned into hers. "This is who I am. I like my job, I like my friends, and I like my life. So far, for me that's been enough."
    Dante waited. He knew his admission gave her the ammunition needed to politely end the date and walk away. How the hell could a businesswoman climbing the ladder of success settle for a mailroom courier? He'd never be able to tell her he owned Inferno. Never be able to confess he'd hired her, would promote her, and held the strings to the entire company. So, he waited for relief to flood through him for the end of this game that twisted him in knots and gave him something to hope for. To dream for.
    But it couldn't be real.
    Selina stirred the rock candy into her coffee, round and round. She studied the motions as if it held all the answers. Looked up. "I only have one question left."
    His world shattered piece by piece around him. "What's that?"
    "Do you think Metallica is a better band or the original Van Halen?"
    Daniel’s heart stopped. Then sped up as joy crashed through his body. "Definitely Metallica."
    "I disagree."
    Dante sipped his cappuccino and pushed the dessert toward her. "Tell me why."
     
    ***
     
    She stepped out of the cab in front of her apartment and began to shake. Selina twisted her hands around the strap of her purse and prayed he wouldn't notice. The sight of the familiar street bathed in darkness stabbed her like needles as she fought the memories. God, she hated this, hated every part of this damn fear that slithered like a rattlesnake and bit hard and deep when she was unprepared.
    But she couldn't invite Daniel in. She wasn't ready.
    He stepped behind her and his presence calmed her jagged nerves. One warm hand rested on her upper arm as he stopped at the bottom of the stairs. "Do you want me to walk you up?"
    She glanced at the cab. He'd already gone out of his way to ride with her uptown just to see her to the door. Now the cabbie waited impatiently for them to finish their goodbye and get his meter running again. Selina tilted her chin with determination. She refused to be afraid of her own apartment. Besides, the doorman waited there discreetly. Nothing would happen. "No, I'm fine. Thank you for a lovely evening."
    He smiled down at her, obviously amused by her formality. "You're welcome." Dark eyes drilled into hers. "I want to see you again."
    Sensual energy swirled around her and pulled tight. Her voice came out in a rough whisper. "Yes."
    Slowly, he reached out and ran his fingers down her hair. Traced the line of her jaw. Then lowered his head.
    His lips touched hers, feather light. Warm, soft lips molded to hers. The clean male scent of him swam around her and she longed for more. She opened her lips; her feet steady on the ground, her heart pounding, excitement and anticipation tingling her nerve endings. And--
    Fabric tearing; fingers hurting; pain; violation; fear.
    The image attacked without warning. Selina stumbled back a step, her arms automatically coming up to ward him off. Daniel kept still, giving her the space she needed, his face calm and impassive as if he was used to women freaking out after a polite goodnight kiss. He didn’t even know about the truth of the attack, believing she was only mugged and not assaulted.
    "I'm—I’m sorry," she tore out. "I can't--"
    "Stop. Selina, look at me." She forced herself to lift her head, humiliated beyond belief. Dark eyes stared back into hers with a gleam of patience and desire he didn't try to hide. As if he realized the truth behind the story she told everyone, understanding flickered over his face. "It's okay. I'm not going anywhere. Go upstairs. I'll wait right here until I see your light go on."
    She nodded. "Thank you."
    He smiled and motioned her in. Selina climbed the steps, unlocked the door, and made her way up the staircase. When she was safely in her apartment, she turned on all the lights and looked out the window. He stood by the taxicab,